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Miracles We Have Seen: America's Leading Physicians Share Stories They Can't Forget
This is a book of miracles—medical events witnessed by leading physicians for which there is no reasonable medical explanation, or, if there is, the explanation itself is extraordinary. These dramatic first-person essays detail spectacular serendipities, impossible cures, breathtaking resuscitations, extraordinary awakenings, and recovery from unimaginable disasters. Still other essays give voice to cases in which the physical aspects were less dramatic than the emotional aspects, yet miraculous and transformational for everyone involved. Positive impacts left in the wake of even the gravest of tragedies, profound triumphs of heart and spirit.
Preeminent physicians in many specialties, including deans and department heads on the faculties of the top university medical schools in the country describe, in everyday language and with moving testimony, their very personal reactions to these remarkable clinical experiences.
Among the extraordinary cases poignantly recounted by the physicians witnessing
Miracles We Have Seen is a book of inspiration and optimism, and a compelling glimpse into the lives of physicians—their humanity and determined devotion to their patients and their patients' families. It reminds us that what we don't know or don't understand isn‘t necessarily cause for fear, and can even be reason for hope
Preeminent physicians in many specialties, including deans and department heads on the faculties of the top university medical schools in the country describe, in everyday language and with moving testimony, their very personal reactions to these remarkable clinical experiences.
Among the extraordinary cases poignantly recounted by the physicians witnessing
Miracles We Have Seen is a book of inspiration and optimism, and a compelling glimpse into the lives of physicians—their humanity and determined devotion to their patients and their patients' families. It reminds us that what we don't know or don't understand isn‘t necessarily cause for fear, and can even be reason for hope
- GenresNonfictionScience
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2016
114 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 12, 2018
I don't know what I expected but lately, I've seen more mind-blowing "miracles" on TouTube.
That being said, these stories were well-written and interesting. Just not exactly jaw-dropping for people who have an active imagination and open-minded faith.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
That being said, these stories were well-written and interesting. Just not exactly jaw-dropping for people who have an active imagination and open-minded faith.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2018
First, I want to thank Harley A. Rotbart, MD., Health Communications, Inc and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Miracles We Have Seen by Harley A. Rotbart, MD was a very unique book that will touch your heart, educate you, blow you away with some of the stories, will show you what medical “miracles” look like and uplift you. All these stories in the book are true accounts from pediatricians, internists, surgeons, family medicine specialists, emergency medicine physicians, obstetricians, psychiatrists and sub-specialists.
Harley thanks 74 Doctors that contributed stories to this book. He also acknowledges a list of people whom helped him with everything to individual essays.
I absolutely loved this book, the medical stories, and the human patient care side of the stories as well. I found each story to be fascinating. I have two favorite stories that stuck out to me and touched me in one way or another.
The first one was An Unlikely Discovery by the Unlikeliest Person. This story was told in three different parts in three different perspectives. They were the Student, The Teacher, and The Surgeon. Ryan the student was working on a test patient Jim whom was to pretend he had an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In this section I was educate what exactly what this was. He played the part well or so Ryan thought. He made the diagnosis that this patent really did have one. The Teacher didn’t believe him at first but it turns out he was right. Ryan got high praise write up online and in the newspaper for it. In fact the links are In the bio. If Jim was not there that day this would have never been diagnosed and he could have died at home.
The other story that touched my heart was the Impossible Delivery. This one really pulled on my heart strings big time! Since New Year’s Eve Karen felt something strange with some light bleeding. She had not had her period in 5 years but had a history of uterine fibroid. In the past she had an uterine artery embolization. Unfortunately, this procedure made her infertile. Imagine their surprise when they found out they were 7 months pregnant!! However, she had placenta accrete. If you want to know what happened to the Mom and baby you will have go read the book.
Miracles We Have Seen by Harley A. Rotbart, MD was a very unique book that will touch your heart, educate you, blow you away with some of the stories, will show you what medical “miracles” look like and uplift you. All these stories in the book are true accounts from pediatricians, internists, surgeons, family medicine specialists, emergency medicine physicians, obstetricians, psychiatrists and sub-specialists.
Harley thanks 74 Doctors that contributed stories to this book. He also acknowledges a list of people whom helped him with everything to individual essays.
I absolutely loved this book, the medical stories, and the human patient care side of the stories as well. I found each story to be fascinating. I have two favorite stories that stuck out to me and touched me in one way or another.
The first one was An Unlikely Discovery by the Unlikeliest Person. This story was told in three different parts in three different perspectives. They were the Student, The Teacher, and The Surgeon. Ryan the student was working on a test patient Jim whom was to pretend he had an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In this section I was educate what exactly what this was. He played the part well or so Ryan thought. He made the diagnosis that this patent really did have one. The Teacher didn’t believe him at first but it turns out he was right. Ryan got high praise write up online and in the newspaper for it. In fact the links are In the bio. If Jim was not there that day this would have never been diagnosed and he could have died at home.
The other story that touched my heart was the Impossible Delivery. This one really pulled on my heart strings big time! Since New Year’s Eve Karen felt something strange with some light bleeding. She had not had her period in 5 years but had a history of uterine fibroid. In the past she had an uterine artery embolization. Unfortunately, this procedure made her infertile. Imagine their surprise when they found out they were 7 months pregnant!! However, she had placenta accrete. If you want to know what happened to the Mom and baby you will have go read the book.
February 9, 2023
I really enjoyed the stories in this book. I’m a nurse but I do not feel you have to be a medical professional to enjoy or understand these stories. The author did a great job of giving a brief explanation or definition for certain medical terms.
October 17, 2016
I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.
Kyle Kinane has a joke that I will attempt to remember and probably brutalize. Basically he says there are two kinds of people the serious atheist who thinks of people as bags of meat and the ignorant but happy believer. He says that the best way to have a happier life is to accept more things as miracles (unlike the boring atheist).
As a serious agnostic person (and poor joke reteller) I tend to question most miracles. Nonetheless I really want to believe and look hard for miracles. There are a few books that provide some potential miracles. This book, on the other hand, seems to be full with very lucky people. I feel like I should be more accepting of the divine's hand in the miracles in this book, but instead I see people remembering the amazing things that sometimes happen to a few of the billions of people on the planet.
Don't get me wrong this book is a good book. It is filled with heart warming, inspirational stories. I cried several times (I do cry easily) at the beauty in the book. I think this is a good book for people who like inspirational stories. It probably is also a good book for people interested in miracles.
However, people who tend to be highly analytical might want to find a different book if they are looking for miracles.
Kyle Kinane has a joke that I will attempt to remember and probably brutalize. Basically he says there are two kinds of people the serious atheist who thinks of people as bags of meat and the ignorant but happy believer. He says that the best way to have a happier life is to accept more things as miracles (unlike the boring atheist).
As a serious agnostic person (and poor joke reteller) I tend to question most miracles. Nonetheless I really want to believe and look hard for miracles. There are a few books that provide some potential miracles. This book, on the other hand, seems to be full with very lucky people. I feel like I should be more accepting of the divine's hand in the miracles in this book, but instead I see people remembering the amazing things that sometimes happen to a few of the billions of people on the planet.
Don't get me wrong this book is a good book. It is filled with heart warming, inspirational stories. I cried several times (I do cry easily) at the beauty in the book. I think this is a good book for people who like inspirational stories. It probably is also a good book for people interested in miracles.
However, people who tend to be highly analytical might want to find a different book if they are looking for miracles.
July 16, 2018
3.5
An enjoyable book that is best when reading only a few at a time. The main problems were that the cases started sounding the same just with different doctors, patients, and even treatments. There has been a lot written about how the human is able to cope and has the ability to heal itself especially with children. The majority of the doctors hint at some spiritual or religious miracle that saved the patients life and very few consider the miracles are due not only to the mystery of the human body but science as well. We'll never know why some patients live and others die but somethings are just beyond our understanding as human beings.
An enjoyable book that is best when reading only a few at a time. The main problems were that the cases started sounding the same just with different doctors, patients, and even treatments. There has been a lot written about how the human is able to cope and has the ability to heal itself especially with children. The majority of the doctors hint at some spiritual or religious miracle that saved the patients life and very few consider the miracles are due not only to the mystery of the human body but science as well. We'll never know why some patients live and others die but somethings are just beyond our understanding as human beings.
May 3, 2018
These are short stories about the miracles of doctors retelling of survival abet under circumstances that should of surely been death. Stories include, Aids, car accidents, drowning, premature births, etc. Some people actually saw heaven. I truly believe these are miracles, and as I read these short stories, God was at work here. Cancer just doesn't hear itself, you can't just die for almost an hour and return. I love the doctors compassion in these stories, you don't seem to get that nowadays, doctors are stressed, short staffed. Now they deal with red tape, drug addicts, time frames. You really can't get your point across in 30 minutes. Doctors now a days say you might have a kidney infection, come in and pee in a cup and we will let you know in 5 days. Then you have to get an appointment etc. So I totally enjoyed these stories of miracles by these doctors but mostly by God. It just wasn't their time. These doctors actually listened to what the patients said and took steps to not blow off their patients. It worked out because a lot of lives were saved.
Thank you Net Gallery, the many compassionate doctors in these stories, HCI books and our Great Lord because without him we wouldn't have miracles.
Cherie'
Thank you Net Gallery, the many compassionate doctors in these stories, HCI books and our Great Lord because without him we wouldn't have miracles.
Cherie'
September 27, 2024
I had a chance to listen to this fascinating book by Dr Rotbart on Audiobooks. It was as if I was living in those testing and miraculous moments !
The language of the book is very absorbing and clear. The events are described in a style, as if we are ourselves witnessing them.
The audio version of the book is also very enthralling !
Both Miss Angela Brazil and Mr Stephen Thorne's way of rendering the events is astounding !
I would like to commend Dr Rotbart and both renders, for their marvelous contributions.
After listening to the book, word by word, it seems that man proposes and God, the AlMighty Disposes ! Man has been given the option to try his level best, but the final decision and the outcome of our effort/s rests on God. He Knows what's in our best interest. The book describes the events and their climax, that no mind can interpret or understand.
Finally, the message that we can deduce from the book is that we should always have a strong relationship with our Creator. At times of hopelessness & helplessness, the only thing that gives us vigour and rejuvenates our lost hopes, is the strong belief in God's Mercy, that can turn the tables in our favour.
Thanks.
The language of the book is very absorbing and clear. The events are described in a style, as if we are ourselves witnessing them.
The audio version of the book is also very enthralling !
Both Miss Angela Brazil and Mr Stephen Thorne's way of rendering the events is astounding !
I would like to commend Dr Rotbart and both renders, for their marvelous contributions.
After listening to the book, word by word, it seems that man proposes and God, the AlMighty Disposes ! Man has been given the option to try his level best, but the final decision and the outcome of our effort/s rests on God. He Knows what's in our best interest. The book describes the events and their climax, that no mind can interpret or understand.
Finally, the message that we can deduce from the book is that we should always have a strong relationship with our Creator. At times of hopelessness & helplessness, the only thing that gives us vigour and rejuvenates our lost hopes, is the strong belief in God's Mercy, that can turn the tables in our favour.
Thanks.
January 13, 2018
Very Interesting
This book has many different short stories from doctors around the nation. The attitude of the doctors are often not would be expected, but the stories are really all about the art is of those doctors. I can think of many physicians of mine who would be better care givers if they read and took to heart this book.
This book has many different short stories from doctors around the nation. The attitude of the doctors are often not would be expected, but the stories are really all about the art is of those doctors. I can think of many physicians of mine who would be better care givers if they read and took to heart this book.
June 19, 2018
The book is sometimes guilty of hyperbole. There are some miracles, but in many stories in this book it is more to do with the advances of medicine than supernatural intervention. Some stories will tug at your heart, some stories you might see as gross and hard to take.
October 5, 2020
It was definitely an interesting and uplifting book. Some essays were kind of weird, whether because of their subject matter or their tone or both, and I wasn't sure why they were included. Overall, however, it's worth a read.
October 5, 2017
Some interesting anecdotes, with a focus on pediatrics.
July 28, 2020
A great book with a great storyline. I loved the characters and the setting of the book. I would definitely recommend for others to read this book.
January 19, 2021
It won't let me rate the book and just has one star. Bi would have given it 4 stars.
December 15, 2025
Wonderful stories about the miracles that happen with doctors and their patients. Is it just coincidence or is there a higher power involved? This is discussed in many of these stories.
February 14, 2017
An array of essays from doctors-in-training to professional physicians of various specialties, describing medical instances involving patients of all genders, ages and ethnicity. In 'Miracles We Have Seen', I found truly touching essays that break reason and logic, as well as your heart.
You can read this book in a linear fashion. But the book is formatted in such a way, that you can jump to any page and pick up the next story. The stories are short and are compelling from start to finish.
Along with the miracles you'll encounter throughout the book, you'll find intimate windows into the thoughts and feelings of the doctor's, patients and families involved. Every situation brought a lesson or lessons that were life changing and moved them to the next phase in their life or career.
There's even a section that hosts essays on patient death; what it taught them and how it bolstered them for the future.
Almost as a bonus, there is a chapter on the development track of young doctors and their mentors. It speaks on the importance of role models in a young doctor's career, which would help mold them, their mental and emotional content, to sustain the kind of life they will endure in the medical field; a field where miracles and lessons abound.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC and for letting express my honest opinions about it.
You can read this book in a linear fashion. But the book is formatted in such a way, that you can jump to any page and pick up the next story. The stories are short and are compelling from start to finish.
Along with the miracles you'll encounter throughout the book, you'll find intimate windows into the thoughts and feelings of the doctor's, patients and families involved. Every situation brought a lesson or lessons that were life changing and moved them to the next phase in their life or career.
There's even a section that hosts essays on patient death; what it taught them and how it bolstered them for the future.
Almost as a bonus, there is a chapter on the development track of young doctors and their mentors. It speaks on the importance of role models in a young doctor's career, which would help mold them, their mental and emotional content, to sustain the kind of life they will endure in the medical field; a field where miracles and lessons abound.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC and for letting express my honest opinions about it.
February 11, 2017
This collection of eye-witness accounts by several doctors is a confirmation that faith can move mountains. The doctors who submitted these essays were astounded by the miraculous results in what were believed to be impossible cases. It is inspiring to read observations by scientists who can give no explanation for a recovery but that God listened to the prayers of the patients' families.
January 16, 2017
Miracles that live on long after the event!
Wonderful idea for a book! This is a collection of great stories to inspire and perplex us on how there can be an unexplained miracles of healing. There are stories of people obtaining healing only because they happened to be at a certain place and time with specific people right there. There are stories of a chain of events that had to happen that were so specific for a miracle to happen that if any of the chain links were broken; the miracle wouldn’t have happened. There are stories of unexpected health transformations when the circumstances looked dire.
This book has great purpose and gives great hope to those who might be suffering with health issues that seem to have a dead end. But what I love most was the fact that numerous doctors were able to identify one of these stories and that many said that there was a particular story that “influenced much of their professional decision-making throughout their careers” or that they “draw on those miraculous moments at times when they themselves feel hopeless and tragedy”. The impact of these stories tends to live on far after the actual event.
I received complimentary e-copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
Wonderful idea for a book! This is a collection of great stories to inspire and perplex us on how there can be an unexplained miracles of healing. There are stories of people obtaining healing only because they happened to be at a certain place and time with specific people right there. There are stories of a chain of events that had to happen that were so specific for a miracle to happen that if any of the chain links were broken; the miracle wouldn’t have happened. There are stories of unexpected health transformations when the circumstances looked dire.
This book has great purpose and gives great hope to those who might be suffering with health issues that seem to have a dead end. But what I love most was the fact that numerous doctors were able to identify one of these stories and that many said that there was a particular story that “influenced much of their professional decision-making throughout their careers” or that they “draw on those miraculous moments at times when they themselves feel hopeless and tragedy”. The impact of these stories tends to live on far after the actual event.
I received complimentary e-copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
August 27, 2016
While I usually don't read medical type books and stopped reading "miracle" books years ago, I made an exception for this one; due to the wide range of stories, as well as the number of physicians involved. These were truly interesting stories, but be forewarned there may be more medical talk than many readers will wish to read; specifically readers of the miracle books usually listed under the spirituality and religion categories. That was to be expected, though, considering the doctors needed to provide medical proof that the cases they were talking about were truly "miraculous", as far as scientifically trained physicians were concerned. In addition, some of the cases involving children were hard to read, because of the extent of their injuries or illnesses. Thus, if you're not looking for a typical "feel good" miracle book, but one with a stronger bite, do read this one. All proceeds from it go to various charity groups, too.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
October 2, 2016
Miracles We Have Seen by Harley A. Rotbart, MD
The stories in this book would do well in Reader’s Digest. They were interesting to read and make a person feel good. The stories make doctors and medical staff human. It does very well as a bedside book or spontaneous reading for pleasure. Each of the stories in the book are a quick read and worth reading. I received a free copy of Miracles We Have Seen by Harley A. Rotbart, MD from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley.
The stories in this book would do well in Reader’s Digest. They were interesting to read and make a person feel good. The stories make doctors and medical staff human. It does very well as a bedside book or spontaneous reading for pleasure. Each of the stories in the book are a quick read and worth reading. I received a free copy of Miracles We Have Seen by Harley A. Rotbart, MD from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley.
September 26, 2016
If you need a dose of beauty, hope and and encouragement, you’ll find it in this collection of essays from doctors on medical miracles--things they’ve seen while practicing for which they have no explanation, or only an extraordinary one. It’s a happy tears book (and all proceeds go to charity) edited by the author of another book I loved, No Regrets Parenting.
March 23, 2017
very inspirational stories.
May 1, 2017
Reality is more expanded than we understand.
A compilation of astounding stories of inexplicable heart-touching healings nurture hope and strengthen confidence in life as a surprising universal intelligence.
Some stories can draw tears, reflect the human paradox that in the face of our greatest vulnerabilities we are capable of extraordinary virtues, the wonder of human ability to accompany us and help us at crucial and critical moments. Medical and rescue services, healers, faith in a superior force, the timely help of a good Samaritan, altruism, synchronicities ... are beautiful human characteristics, of our capacity for contribution and solidarity, of the natural ability of connection, our resilience in the face of disaster.
The reality is definitely more expanded than our biological mind can comprehend! But our consciousness is able to experience!
My gratitude to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
A compilation of astounding stories of inexplicable heart-touching healings nurture hope and strengthen confidence in life as a surprising universal intelligence.
Some stories can draw tears, reflect the human paradox that in the face of our greatest vulnerabilities we are capable of extraordinary virtues, the wonder of human ability to accompany us and help us at crucial and critical moments. Medical and rescue services, healers, faith in a superior force, the timely help of a good Samaritan, altruism, synchronicities ... are beautiful human characteristics, of our capacity for contribution and solidarity, of the natural ability of connection, our resilience in the face of disaster.
The reality is definitely more expanded than our biological mind can comprehend! But our consciousness is able to experience!
My gratitude to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
May 7, 2018
This is an incredible collection of true stories gathered from medical professionals providing memories of miraculous moments during their careers. It was very easy to see why these memories have stayed with them.
On many occasions, it seemed skill, luck and being in the right place at the right time played a major role in events. Perhaps the odd exception can be put down to divine intervention. I am not a religious person but I was quite touched when one doctor stated there is something bigger going on in healing than just doctors and their treatments.
Each chapter provides a summary of its contents, which may be handy for those with an interest in a particular area. Proceeds from book sales go to nominated charities, which is a fantastic idea.
My favourite chapter was the amazing parasite in eye story- http://www.wired.com/2013/10/absurd-c...
This book should appear to a wide variety of readers including those who feel they are losing hope. Miracles do happen.
Thank you to Net galley and the publisher for providing a digital version of the uncorrected readers copy in return for an honest review.
On many occasions, it seemed skill, luck and being in the right place at the right time played a major role in events. Perhaps the odd exception can be put down to divine intervention. I am not a religious person but I was quite touched when one doctor stated there is something bigger going on in healing than just doctors and their treatments.
Each chapter provides a summary of its contents, which may be handy for those with an interest in a particular area. Proceeds from book sales go to nominated charities, which is a fantastic idea.
My favourite chapter was the amazing parasite in eye story- http://www.wired.com/2013/10/absurd-c...
This book should appear to a wide variety of readers including those who feel they are losing hope. Miracles do happen.
Thank you to Net galley and the publisher for providing a digital version of the uncorrected readers copy in return for an honest review.
July 13, 2018
Fascinating read full of interesting stories! I greatly appreciate the perspective from physicians. I loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews